Drivers Are Just Discovering What the ‘E’ on Some Car Gear Sticks Means

For decades, drivers have been familiar with the standard layout of gear selectors. Manual cars show numbered gears and “R” for reverse, while automatics typically display “P,” “N,” “D,” and “R,” sometimes adding “L.” This arrangement shaped everyday driving. So when some motorists spotted an “E” on older gear sticks, many were puzzled.

The curiosity resurfaced in a discussion shared by Supercar Blondie, where followers were asked if they recognized the letter. Experienced drivers explained that “E” meant “Economy.”

In certain older models, this setting functioned like a fuel-saving gear. It kept engine revolutions lower and subtly adjusted performance to reduce fuel consumption, especially during steady cruising.

At the time, it was a practical solution for drivers mindful of rising fuel costs. By selecting Economy mode, motorists could prioritize efficiency over speed or rapid acceleration.

However, advances in automotive technology gradually made this feature unnecessary. Modern engines now rely on computerized management systems, improved fuel injection, and aerodynamic design to optimize efficiency automatically.

Because of these innovations, a separate Economy gear faded from common use. Younger drivers may never have seen it, while others recall it as a small but thoughtful mechanical approach to saving fuel.

Today, the letter “E” has taken on a new meaning. It is most often associated with electric vehicles, marking a shift toward battery-powered transport. In that sense, “E” connects two eras — once symbolizing Economy mode, and now representing the evolution toward electric mobility.